Want to be a grill master? Start by knowing the basics and being prepared.

How to Choose a Grill

The grill that's best suited for you depends upon your specific needs and preferences. Consider:

Where you will grill

What types of food you will cook and for how many

The seasons of the year when you plan to cook out

Grill Safety and Tools

For safer and more convenient grilling, consider the following tools and accessories:

Charcoal chimney or electric charcoal starter

Water spritzer

Long metal skewers

Long-handled basting brush

Long tongs- one for hot coals, one for food

Long handled spatula

Meat thermometer and/or instant-read thermometer

Heavy duty mitts

Aluminum foil drip pans

There are several types of charcoal and aromatic woods, which can be used for cooking and flavoring grilled foods. Charcoal briquettes are the most common fuel for grilling. Mesquite charcoal, now widely available, is made by charring the wood of the southwestern mesquite tree.

Hardwood chips and chunks are readily available. Soaked in water for about 30 minutes, then drained, they can be added directly to a charcoal fire to impart subtle flavor to grilled foods.

Seasoning with Herbs

Another popular way to add flavor to grilled foods is with sprigs of fresh herbs such as bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram and sage. Place them directly on the coals or on the grid next to the food to add flavor during grilling. Moisten herbs with water before adding to coals.

Eggplant Sandwich

1 medium bell pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 eggplant

Deli ham slices (or low fat lunch ham)

Pepper jack cheese slices

Fresh basil leaves

Grill the whole bell pepper about 12 minutes. Put in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. Peel the pepper. (Skin should come off easily). Put pepper in food processor and blend till smooth.

Cut eggplant into circle slices about 1/2 inch thick. You should have an even number of slices such as 10 or 12, etc. Soak slices in water about 30 minutes. Take out of water and pat dry. Brush with oil.

Grill 3-4 minutes on each side. Put 1 tbsp. of blended pepper on grilled side of half (about 5 or 6 slices) of the eggplant slices. Then add ham, cheese and a basil leaf. Top the sandwich with another eggplant slice to make an "eggplant sandwich." Grill on both sides of the sandwich until cheese melts.

Tips for Grilling

Soak fruits and vegetables in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling. Then lightly coat the cut-up vegetables with a light olive oil to protect the skin from drying and burning.

Source: Mississippi State University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program Summer Grilling Handout.

For more information, contact: Nancy A. Freeman, County Extension Director Harrison County Extension Service (228) 865-4227